Divorce Records in Alabama

Unfortunately, many marriages end in divorce. Where are the Alabama divorce records stored?

Most Alabama divorce records are actually stored at the local County Divorce Records courthouse level in the state where the divorce took place. Any search for official divorce records should begin at the County Divorce Records courthouse where the divorce took place.

If the County Divorce Records is not known, you have several choices for your search. You can conduct a search at every County Divorce Records in the state until you locate the divorce records that you are looking to find. You may also look at the state repository if one exists. The final option involves conducting a search for past and /or current spouses. This search usually includes the addresses for each spouse that is discovered. Your search can then continue at the County Divorce Records courthouse that coincides with these.

The state may have a state repository where a database of divorce records is stored. Official certified copies of divorce records can only be obtained from the local County Divorce Records. Although the state repository will issue copies of the records, they will not be certified.

Alabama Divorce records usually include the first, middle, and last names of the individuals. The County Divorce Records name where the divorce took place is also listed. The official date of the divorce, the recorded date of the filing of the divorce, and an identifying certificate number are also included. Some states will also include other information like the number of children under the age of eighteen at the time of the divorce. The maiden name of the wife is usually included as well.

Typically, a basic search for Alabama divorce records will take about two to ten days. If only a little information is provided for the search, then it may take longer. Moreover, genealogical searches can take much longer depending on the amount of information provided as well as the date of the divorce. In rare cases, the records simply do not exist due to damage by fire or the simple fact that the records were never written up.

Most County Divorce Records courthouses require a written request that includes personal information about the requestor. Typically, you will need to provide your name and your relationship to the individual for whom you are trying to locate the divorce records. Additionally, a small fee will be required at this time as well. Depending upon the courthouse location, the fee should range between five and fifteen dollars. Longer searches, such as genealogical searches will cost more.

A successful search for official divorce records can be met by following these guidelines:

1. Print or type each name and address clearly to avoid confusion. This includes the full name of both the husband and the wife. The maiden name should be included for the wife.

2. Keep your request brief and to the point.

3. Limit your request to one document.

4. Include the full names of the individuals, including nicknames and alternate spellings that may have been used.

5. Include the full address of the individual at the time of the divorce, including street, city or town, and state. If you know the County Divorce Records in which the divorce took place, include that as well.

6. Include the date that the divorce was finalized. If you do not have this piece of information available, include a time frame for the search. Generally, it is best to specify a short span of years for an unknown year search. You can always expand the number of years that you search, and a shorter span will lead to a shorter search. You can expect to pay an additional fee for searches such as this that require more effort.

7. Include contact information where you can be reached in the event that more information is required. Include a daytime, as well as an evening telephone number. You may also include a fax number or an e-mail address.

8. You should include your relationship to the individualís listed in your search request.

9. You should include the purpose of your request.

10. Print your name clearly and sign your request. Some states may also require additional identifying information on you as well, including a driverís license number.

11. Include a SASE, or self addressed stamped envelope with your request for a speedier delivery.

12. Include the date that you mail your request with your correspondence.

An alphabetical list of addresses for Alabama County Divorce Records courthouses is provided for your convenience: